Sterling has understandably split opinion among Liverpool fans recently, but there is no question he has behaved unacceptably. ESPN claim he has no intention of signing a new contract, and this deal could therefore suit all parties.

If Sterling doesn’t want to be at the club, then there is no point in forcing him to stay. We want players who live and breathe Liverpool, and who are proud to wear the shirt.

That said though, we certainly shouldn’t let our assets go cheaply. Sterling is certainly a player with potential, and is a full England international already. There’s a premium that comes attached with that label, and we shouldn’t accept less than the £50m being touted.

Getting this deal done early would benefit everyone, so hopefully the reports prove true so we can ship Sterling off to the Etihad and pocket the £50m as soon as possible.